Fatalii

Fatalii is a Capsicum chinense pepper associated with the Central African Republic. Although Capsicum chinense species originated in the Americas, Fatalii became established in Central Africa after early introductions and developed into a distinct, locally recognised type.

Plants are productive and typically reach around 70 to 80 centimetres in height. Pods are elongated and wrinkled, tapering to a sharp point, and usually measure between 6 and 8 centimetres in length. Fruits mature from green to a vivid yellow and have thin walls.

The heat is immediate and intense, commonly reaching around 325,000 Scoville Heat Units. Fatalii is well known for its strong citrus-forward flavour, often described as lemon-like with tropical notes. Due to its thin walls and flavour profile, it is widely used for sauces, salsas, and dried powders and has become a foundational pepper in modern breeding and hybrid work.